The cost of the Big Dig, including interest on borrowing, has mushroomed to nearly $24.3 billion, strangling the state’s ability to fund other critical transportation projects, a legislative oversight hearing was told on Tuesday.

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a $54 million spending bill that includes $15 million to pay for costs incurred during the response to the recent tornadoes that tore through in central and western Massachusetts.

With all the talk about the national debt, deficit spending and proposed cuts/taxes, I am curious about how much the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are costing us – total amount so far, and this year alone. Seems nobody is reporting this anymore. – Eagles, Ashland